A 9-year-old girl from Clermont County has died after contracting the influenza virus.
According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), she is the states first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2023-24 flu season.
The death was reported Friday and is being investigated by Clermont County Public Health.
In Ohio, flu activity has been increasing since early December, the ODH says, with flu activity seeing peaks from December until February.
According to the ODH, there are generally between one and six influenza-associated pediatric deaths each year reported in Ohio.
If you havent gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time, said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease.
Flu vaccines are available at most healthcare providers offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies.
The Ohio Department of Health gives the following reminders on staying well this flu season:
More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available here.
We Follow Through
Want us to continue to follow through on a story? Let us know.
FILE: A flu vaccine is readied at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans' Community Resource Center in Lynwood, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2022. Health officials said flu and COVID-19 infections were expected to accelerate in late December, fueled by holiday travel and gatherings, low vaccination rates, and a new COVID variant that seems to spread more easily.
Mark J. Terrill / AP
According to the Oregon Health Authority, Southern Oregon is seeing the highest rates of positivity on influenza tests in the state, with the latest data showing a 12.3% positivity rate.
The flu virus can cause mild to severe symptoms that can sometimes even lead to death. Those younger than 5 or older than 65 are at an increased risk for severe illness.
Tanya Phillips from Jackson County Public Health said the flu test data comes from Oregon hospitals, not local doctors or urgent care clinics.
So its not telling us how many people actually have the flu, she said. It is a data point that lets us know, Hey, flu is picking up here.
Phillips said they determine the flu is circulating widely when the test positivity rate is above 10% for two weeks in a row. The flu virus typically circulates during the fall and winter, with peaks between December and February.
In years prior Southern Oregon was hit with the flu first, said Phillips. The rest of the state really wasnt seeing what we were seeing or experiencing and then as the weeks went, then other areas of the state caught up and then we started to see that decrease.
Phillips said people should also get vaccinated for the flu if they havent already. She said vaccination rates are lower than health officials would hope for. Even if someone does get sick, getting vaccinated can help prevent serious illness.
Residents should look for warning signs the sickness is getting worse, such as severe muscle pain, seizures or a fever that wont go away.
Those at an increased risk of severe illness should also talk to their doctor about antiviral drugs, which can mean the difference between a mild illness and a trip to the emergency room.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Syringes of COVID-19 vaccines in Spanish Fork, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity have been increasing in Utah this year, and officials expect more hospitalizations and infections as winter continues.
| Dec. 28, 2023, 6:44 p.m.
| Updated: 6:45 p.m.
Respiratory virus season is in full swing, with rising COVID-19, RSV and flu activity, and state health officials predict more increases in infections and hospitalizations as we get deeper into winter.
This past week, health officials saw a rapid increase in flu activity. That means the number of people showing up to emergency rooms across the state with flu-like symptoms increased dramatically, outpacing both COVID-19 and RSV patients, according to the Department of Health and Human Services dashboard. Most of those visits were for patients between the ages of 5 and 24.
Despite the rapid increase, the current levels of flu-associated hospitalizations in the state are considered moderate and the levels of outpatient flu-like illness rate are considered low.
Health officials also saw increases in COVID-19 and and RSV activity.
Wastewater sites across the state 91.4% of them are showing elevated levels of the coronavirus, and 48.6% of sites are showing increasing levels, according to the Utah Wastewater Surveillance System. The only wastewater testing site showing low levels of the virus was in Coalville, in Summit County.
The weekly average for new hospital admissions rose nearly 12%, from 19.7 patients to 22. Three COVID-19 patients were reported to have died in the past week.
The best time to get vaccines to protect against COVID-19 and flu is now, health officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended those with an increased risk for severe RSV, such as adults over 60 and infants and young children, receive a vaccine.
If it appears that everyone around you is sick, the increase is due to a trio of illnesses spreading widely and sickening families across Southern California.
Dr. Ali Jamehdor at Dignity Health said there was a 33% increase in patients coming in with respiratory illnesses compared to the same time last year.
Nearly one in four L.A. County residents have fallen ill in December alone, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
This year, more than any other year, we are seeing more of influenza, RSV and COVID, higher than what weve seen in years past, explained Jamehdor.
Across the state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes the level of flu-like illnesses, which include non-flu viruses such as coronavirus, is considered high.
Jamehdor says over 90 percent of adult patients checking in for a doctors visit are those with cold symptoms. Most have lost their voice and are testing positive for adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the CDC.
People are out and about and theyre shaking hands or hugging, Jamehdor said. Theyre in closed quarters and theyre getting more colds, all viruses.
As for COVID-19, Jamehdor said infections are unfortunately on the rise again.
COVID is back, he said. People are having pneumonia from it, shortness of breath, and weve admitted more patients with pneumonia due to the COVID virus.
Across the nation, Jahmedor said COVID-19 remains one of the primary causes of hospitalizations and deaths.
To prevent contracting respiratory illnesses, healthcare workers recommend wearing facemasks in crowded places, washing hands frequently and maintaining physical space from others in public.
I think people want to move on with their lives and get past the lockdown situation, Jamehdor said. But I think having a little precaution in situations where youre in such close areas without any good ventilation, having a mask is not a bad idea.
The three major viral illnesses spreading around COVID, RSV and influenza have many overlapping symptoms, which can make it hard to properly diagnose without a test.
While cough and fever are common with all three, there are ways the viruses differ.
Sneezing is common with RSV, happens sometimes with COVID-19 and is rare with the flu, according to the Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Headaches and body aches are rare with RSV, happen sometimes with COVID-19 and are common with the flu.
Another thing to pay attention to is the onset of symptoms, said Childrens National. While COVID-19 and RSV both start gradually and then escalate, the flu usually hits hard and fast.
With RSV, symptoms often go away in about a week, according to the CDC. Symptoms persist longer with the flu, about one to two weeks, and can last even longer with COVID-19.
For those experiencing symptoms, Jamehdor recommends immediately testing for a specific illness, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor and getting plenty of rest and fluids.
Anyone with questions about the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, including where to get vaccinated and how or when to test for COVID-19, the L.A. County Public Health InfoLine is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at 1-833-540-0473. More information is available online here.
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email
The NHS is facing a storm of pressure as the number of flu patients in hospital surges before the longest junior doctors strike on record.
As the health service battled industrial action ahead of Christmas day, a total of 942 people were in hospital every day last week with flu more than double the 402 recorded a fortnight earlier and up from 579 the week before.
Of these, there were 48 people in critical care beds, NHS England data shows. The total is six times higher compared to November, when just 160 beds each day were filled with flu patients, and represents the highest figure so far this winter.
Cases of Covid in hospitals are also creeping up, with an average of 3,631 patients in hospital each day last week compared to 3,248 the week before up from 2,294.
The NHS most senior doctor Stephen Powis said: These figures demonstrate the storm of pressure the NHS is facing, with huge rises in flu patients over the last few weeks and many more norovirus cases than we saw last winter, as well as the ongoing impact of Covid all on top of the added pressure of industrial action.
The figures come amid another spell of industrial action by junior doctors in England, with the 72-hour strike from 20 to 23 December due to be followed by a six-day strike in early January when thousands more appointments and operations are expected to be cancelled. The walkouts are part of a long-running dispute over pay.
On Wednesday, NHS England said 86,329 patient appointments and operations were rescheduled due to the junior doctors strikes.
Sir Stephen Powis, NHS Englands national medical director
(Getty)
Healthcare leaders have said they fear for patients safety during the next round of strikes, as it is held during what is traditionally the most pressured week for the NHS.
Sir Stephen warned the impact of next weeks six-day strike is likely to be much more severe, coming at a time when hospitals usually experience the most pressure with high demand and higher levels of virus admissions.
The data shows the winter viruses are affecting staffing levels, with an average of 2,597 employees off with Covid alone each day last week, up 51 per cent from November.
The Independent revealed warnings from top doctors last week over dwindling flu vaccination uptake among frontline NHS staff.
Although admissions to hospitals were up, ambulance pressures appear have improved on last year with 14,262 hours lost to ambulances being delayed outside of hospitals last week compared to 35,292 in the same week last year.
Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts in England, described the drop in handover delays as encouraging.
But he said the worrying winter virus figures demonstrated the scale of the challenge facing the NHS. We urge the government and unions to think afresh and find a way to resolve the damaging and demoralising industrial dispute which has caused so much disruption for patients. There is still time to head off the longest strike in the history of the NHS.
Norovirus levels, while high compared with last year, have also fallen in the latest figures, with an average of 451 adult hospital beds filled last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.
This is down 20 per cent from 566 beds the previous week but still nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) higher than at this stage last year, when the average stood at 279.
Rogue Valley Times staff report
Jackson County is seeing a high level of flu virus cases, leading to an increase in emergency room visits, particularly among children, Jackson County Public Health officials said Thursday.
The statistics of Jackson County emergency room visits among adults and children experiencing influenza-like illness were not shared in a news release issued Thursday afternoon, but Tanya Phillips, health promotion program manager for Jackson County Public Health, said in an interview that the visits are higher than expected.
Jackson County Public Healths announcement comes during a time of peak activity during the flu season and when Southern Oregon currently seeing the highest flu test positivity rate in the state, according to the release. The Oregon Health Authoritys Flu Bites latest report, spanning Dec. 10-16, shows Southern Oregon has a 12.3% test positivity rate, while all other regions of the state remain in the single digits.
In its Thursday news release, Jackson County Public Health offered four strategies to help combat the flu:
Take the time to get vaccinated.
Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of the flu.
Get tested for respiratory infections.
Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
The flu usually comes on suddenly, unlike the common cold, the release said. People who get it can feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness), according to the release.
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea if they get the flu, though this is more common in children than adults, the release said.
Most people who get the flu will experience a mild case, and no antibiotics are needed, according to Jackson County Public Health. Staying home and avoiding contact with others is the best care plan in these cases, the release said.
However, children and adults can experience any number of more severe symptoms that require immediate emergency care.
Jackson County Public Health encourages people of all ages to get their flu vaccine. You can find a clinic near you by logging on to vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/, or call 211.
This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
If you havent gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff in a prepared statement. We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease.
A 9-year-old girl from Clermont County has died after contracting the flu, the state health department said on Friday.
Ohio had six flu-related pediatric deaths in the 2022-2023 flu season, after unusually low death counts in the prior two seasons, during the height of the COVID pandemic.
The state reported four to five pediatric flu-related deaths in each of the previous three flu seasons.
Flu activity across the state has been increasing since early December, and the state health department has designated the activity level as high.
Montgomery County has reported 70 flu-related hospitalizations this season, while Butler County reported 28; Miami County, 12; Warren County, 10; Greene County, eight; Clark County, six; and Champaign County, zero.
The flu season began on Oct. 1.
The state says flu-related hospitalizations so far are below the five-year average for this time in the season.
Health officials say that in addition to getting vaccines other effective ways to avoid catching and spreading include frequent hand washing or regular use of hand sanitizer.
Ohioans also are encouraged to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze, avoid touching their eyes nose and mouth and residents should stay home when they are sick.
Virginia Department of Health reports first child flu death of 2023-24 season
by Ezra Hercyk
FILE - A flu vaccine is readied at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans' Community Resource Center in Lynwood, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
(WSET)
On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the states first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season. A child in VDH's Eastern region died from complications associated with the flu. To protect the familys privacy, VDH did not provide any further information about the child's death.
"We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton. "Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them."
VDH recommends taking these three actions to prevent the flu:
In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to increase further with colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for 6.9% of total visits, according to VDH. This increase was seen particularly among young children and school-aged children, consisting of 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively.
The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is important to note that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.
In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to escalate further with the onset of colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for a significant 6.9% of total visits. Notably, this increase is particularly pronounced among young children and school-aged children, constituting 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively. The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is crucial to recognize that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the preceding 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.
In Virginia, vaccination coverage for the flu remains low for both children and adults, with only 27% of eligible Virginians reporting receipt of a flu vaccine this season. Vaccines are available and can help protect people from the most serious health effects of flu viruses. A recent study estimated that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits by almost half and hospitalization by more than a third among U.S. adults during the 2022-23 season. With flu activity increasing in Virginia, VDH recommends getting a flu vaccine if you have not already.
To locate a seasonal flu vaccine near you, click HERE, or contact your local health department. For further information, call (804) 864-8141.
Load more...
This article has been reviewed according to ScienceX's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
reputable news agency
proofread
by Deb Balzer, Mayo Clinic News Network
close
]A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that when mothers receive the flu vaccine, their babies experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits for the flu, particularly if the baby is under three months old or born to a mother who received the vaccine in the third trimester.
Pregnant women are among those at higher risk of complications of severe illness from flu infection. Dr. Thomas Howell Jr., an OB-GYN at Mayo Clinic Health System, says it's not only important that those who are pregnant get a flu shot but also the people around them.
"Pregnant women are a group that should especially get a flu shot," says Dr. Howell. "We know that if you're pregnant, your risk of getting sicker from influenza, COVID or any pulmonary respiratory disease, for various physiologic reasons, is much higher."
Their health depends on the health of others during this flu season.
"We want pregnant women to protect themselves as much as they can. But one of the ways we do that is by protecting the community," says Dr. Howell.
He says flu vaccines are safeincluding for the developing baby and mother.
"It's not a virus that the baby can get infected by. It doesn't give you the flu or make you sick (even though) everybody says, "Well, I still got the shot, and I still got the flu." The point of those immunizations is to keep you from getting sicker, especially gravely ill. And we know that if you're pregnant, your risk is much higher," says Dr. Howell.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year to help protect themselves and others against the spread of the virus. It's not too late to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
Tips to reduce your risks of respiratory infections:
Most people who become sick with the flu can recover independently at home. For those who are pregnant and others who may be at higher risk of complications from respiratory viruses, reach out to your health care team right away. There are antiviral medications and treatment options that may help you.
2023 Mayo Clinic News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
COVID-19, influenza andRSVcases are on the rise.
"As we enter the winter months, people are spending more time indoors and we tend to see an increase in respiratory infections," said Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, director of the department of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the World Health Organization.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, JN.1, the latest COVID variant, makes upmore than 44%of all new COVID-19 cases in the country. It's the most contagious of all the variants, however, it comes with milder symptoms.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can become severe in children and older adults.
"In the elderly population, one third of them are actually testing positive for RSV when they're in the hospital" said Dr. Dyan Hes.
Health experts says the best way to prevent these illnesses and reduce the chance of severe disease is to get vaccinated.
"I highly recommend getting the COVID vaccine. Most people are not up to date with their new bivalent booster. And the same thing for RSV. Now, elderly over the age of 60 can get a vaccine for RSV. Most people don't even know that that's available," Hes said.
CDC data shows 43.7% of the U.S. population have received the flu vaccine, 17% of adults 60 and older have received an RSV vaccine and only 18.5% of adults in the U.S. have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
SEE MORE: Scripps News Special Report: The Medical Breakthroughs of 2023
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
